Tom Griscom
Partner, Chief Strategist
"I have not yet begun to fight!"
- Captain John Paul Jones, 1779
Tom Griscom is a founding partner and chief strategist for the firm. His specialties include crisis management, government relations, and media relations. With experience ranging from newspaper editor to director of communications for President Ronald Reagan, Tom’s vast knowledge helps clients avoid a crisis before it starts.
Most recently, Tom worked as a private crisis communications consultant and also served in Governor Bill Haslam’s administration as part of his transitional team.
As executive editor and publisher of the Chattanooga Times Free Press for more than 10 years, Tom led the newspaper through significant transitions. He took this leadership role following the merger of the Free Press and the Times, overseeing the paper through challenges for the industry. The paper received multiple awards and recognitions during his tenure, including Best Newspaper in Tennessee in 2002, and in 2003, it was listed as one of the 10 newspapers in the United States “doing it right”. He successfully launched the newspaper into the digital arena, focusing on breaking news, video, and multimedia.
In addition, Tom’s experience includes service as senior account executive with Washington-based public affairs firm, Powell-Tate Public Affairs; executive vice president of external relations of R. J. Reynolds; first holder of the West Chair of Excellence in Communication at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; director of communications for President Ronald Reagan; and press secretary for Senator Howard Baker.
CONTACT INFO:
Office: 423.602.9645
SCHOOL & ACCREDITATIONS:
Bachelor of Arts, English, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Tom is a member of the Blue Key, Scabbard and Blade and Alpha Societies. He was named Outstanding Alumnus in 2007.
MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS:
Rotarian, Past President
BOARDS:
WTCI
Chattanooga Public Library
Tennessee Board of Regents
River City Company
Read 20
UC Foundation
